Can I change from H-2 (Working Visit) to another status of stay?

Yes, you can. However, you must meet the requirements of the status you want, and you must get permission for a change of status of stay (체류자격 변경허가) before you start that activity¹.

Basic rules

• To do an activity different from your current status, you must first get change permission from the Ministry of Justice (법무부)¹.
• Do not start the activity of the new status (for example, a different type of work) before permission is granted.

Commonly used change routes

• Overseas Korean (F-4): In general, this is the route most often applied for by Working Visit (H-2) ethnic Koreans. You must meet one of several requirements, such as a technical certificate or continuous service at the same workplace. The detailed requirements change often depending on policy, so be sure to check before applying.
• Other (G-1): Working Visit (H-2) can be extended only up to 4 years 10 months from the date of entry. After that, if you must keep staying for humanitarian reasons such as an industrial accident, medical treatment, or a lawsuit, you need to change to G-1².
• Other statuses: In general, you can also change to Skilled Worker (E-7-4) or Marriage Immigrant (F-6), and so on. The requirements are different for each status, so you need to check separately.

Cases that are hard to approve

• If your extension of stay was denied and you then apply for a change of status to stay longer, you are usually told to leave Korea or the case is handled as a 'grace period for departure' (출국기한 유예)².
• However, if you need long-term treatment, such as for cancer or cerebral hemorrhage, you may be permitted to change to G-1².

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• If you do activities of another status without change permission, you must pay a fine. If the violation period is less than 1 month, it is 500,000 won, and it goes up the longer the violation lasts, up to a maximum of 30,000,000 won³.
• The G-1 information is based on the 2023 practice guidelines. Policies for ethnic Koreans may have changed since then.
• Permission is decided after review. For final confirmation, contact HiKorea (하이코리아, hikorea.go.kr) or the Foreigner Information Center (외국인종합안내센터, 1345).
• If your period of stay has already expired or you have been denied, it is safer to get consultation from K-VISA AI Administrative Agent Consultation (K-VISA AI 행정사 상담, visa service).